Spotlight: Bethesda Thrift Shop
by Nora m. Davis (HBCA)—January 2009
Brian and Janet Olson, volunteer managers of Bethesda Thrift Shop
Bethesda Thrift Shop was a beehive of activity when I stopped last Wednesday. Volunteers were everywhere—assisting customers, working the cash register, refilling merchandise and helping donors unload their vehicles.
Volunteer managers Brian and Janet Olson told me the shop has been located at 913 Mainstreet since it opened in February 1993. Bethesda is a unique thrift shop—totally run by volunteers, with all proceeds donated to Bethesda Services to assist in the care of the developmentally disabled. Each day different volunteers staff the shop, along with a volunteer manager. (Brian and Janet have volunteered since the store opened after answering a notice in their church bulletin.)
Walk through the aisles at Bethesda and you’ll find a bit of everything! Need a sweatshirt? A birthday card? A book to read on that car trip? A vacuum cleaner? A Halloween costume? A serving platter for that next party? Check out Bethesda!
When asked where their merchandise comes from, both Brian and Janet responded "everywhere!" Donations come from throughout the metro area. "We’ve received contents from entire households, estates, folks who are downsizing or just cleaning out their closets or garages. Once we even received inventory from a store. Our merchandise is varied and ever-changing."
Bethesda’s customer base is as varied as their merchandise. Antique dealers roam the aisles, looking for hidden gems. Families, seniors, college students, and professionals all shop Bethesda. All merchandise is carefully checked before being sent to the sales floor, and items that are not appropriate are shared with other organizations. Nothing is wasted.
Before I left that Wednesday, both Brian and Janet reminded me of their continuing need for volunteers. (They also noted that their oldest volunteer is 97 years old—the youngest is 9 years old!) Volunteers help sort and price merchandise, re-stock, or operate the cash register. Fix-it volunteers are always appreciated. Group opportunities available. Call 952-939-0988.
Store hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Visit www.bethesdathriftshop.org.
